How Memory Works--and How to Make It Work for You

Do you wish you could recall the names of people you just met? What if birthdays, important errands, and online passwords rarely slipped your mind? Psychologist Robert Madigan is an expert in the "memory arts"--practical, proven methods for improving the ability to retain and use information. Like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, it's important to exercise memory in simple ways every day. That's where this science-based guide can help. Dr. Madigan explains how memory works and presents innovative mnemonic devices and visualization techniques that will help you sharpen your mental skills; avoid embarrassing lapses; and remember faces, appointments, facts, numbers, lists, and much more. Reclaim your brain--this book shows how.

Introduction: The Art and Science of Memory
I. The Basics
1. Four Ways of Remembering
2. Working Memory: It's Short-Term Memory and More
3. Attention: "The Secret of Good Memory"
4. How Dragons Make Strong Memories
5. How We Recall Memories
II. Memory Applications
6. Paths to Better Memory
7. Remembering Names
8. Remembering to Remember
9. Remembering Facts
10. Remembering Numbers
11. Remembering Skills
12. Remembering Life
13. The PARIS Mnemonics
14. The Memory Palace
15. Mindsets and Memory
Notes

Robert Madigan, PhD, until his death in 2017, was Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Alaska Anchorage, where he was an award-winning instructor. He taught memory classes in college and community settings for more than thirty years.